TOGETHER WITH

I hope you've had a brilliant weekend!

Summer has well and truly arrived and what a week we've got ahead. The school holidays are kicking off, Solihull Summer Fest returns to Tudor Grange Park, and England are just one win away from a first World Cup final in 60 years. The semi-final against Argentina is this Wednesday at 8pm, and if we make it through, the final lands on Sunday 19 July. Solihull could be in for one of its biggest weekends in years. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿⚽

Also in this edition: an update on Solihull Police Station, hidden food finds, family days out, and an exclusive giveaway with Empower Wellness Studio, Dickens Heath.

Let's get into it.

— Max

After some uncertainty, Solihull is set to keep a police station in the heart of the town centre.

Solihull Council has announced that the police station is proposed to move to The Priory on Church Hill Road, part of the Council House site, once the current Homer Road station closes. Plans have already been submitted to demolish the Homer Road building and replace it with a new office development.

The station's future has been in question since 2018, when closure plans were first put forward as part of wider cost-saving measures, sparking years of campaigning from residents and councillors determined to keep a visible police presence in the town centre. This announcement means that presence looks secure: a permanent base for officers and a public contact office, right in the middle of town.

There's one final step. The proposal goes before the Council's Cabinet on Wednesday 23 July, where councillors will be asked to approve the lease.

👉 Watch this space.

If you've been thinking about trying Reformer Pilates, this could be the perfect time.

This week, I gave Reformer Pilates a go at Empower Wellness Studio in Dickens Heath, and I can honestly see why so many people love it. From the moment I arrived, founder Emma made me feel incredibly welcome, taking the time to explain how everything worked and making sure I felt comfortable before the class started. As someone trying Reformer Pilates for the first time, it was a brilliant introduction.

Tucked away at Waterside in Dickens Heath, Empower Wellness Studio has been helping people move better, feel stronger and prioritise their wellbeing since opening last year. The studio offers a wide range of classes for all ages, abilities and fitness levels, whether you're completely new to Pilates or already have experience.

Reformer Pilates is a low-impact, full-body workout using a specialist Reformer machine to build strength, improve flexibility, improve posture and develop core stability. It's gentle on the joints, suitable for beginners through to experienced participants, and can even support rehabilitation thanks to its adjustable resistance.

What really stood out to me was how supportive the atmosphere was. Emma focused on helping everyone progress at their own pace, so there's no pressure to keep up or feel intimidated. I left feeling like I'd had a proper workout while also feeling more mobile and refreshed.

🎉 Exclusive for Solihull Spotlight readers

As part of the Solihull Spotlight community, you can enjoy 10% off all monthly memberships using the code Spotlight26. The offer is valid until 31 August 2026.

👉 Find out more, view the timetable and book your first class here

A greener way to recycle is coming to Solihull this autumn, with weekly food waste collections set to be introduced across the borough. Every household will receive a new food waste caddy, making it easier to recycle everyday items such as fruit and vegetable peelings, tea bags, eggshells and leftover food.

The new service aims to reduce the amount of food ending up in general waste, helping both the environment and the borough's recycling efforts. Keep an eye out over the coming months, as the council will be sharing more information on when your caddy will arrive and how the new collections will work.

👉 A small change at home that could make a big difference across Solihull.

Across Solihull, incredible volunteers continue to give up their time to help keep our parks, streets and green spaces looking their best. Whether it's organised community litter picks or individuals heading out with a litter picker and a bag, these local heroes make a real difference every week.

Not only do they help protect wildlife and improve the environment, but they also inspire others to take pride in where we live. If you've ever thought about getting involved, there are plenty of community litter-picking groups across the borough that are always happy to welcome new volunteers.

👉 A huge thank you to everyone helping keep Solihull clean and looking its best.

Hidden away just off Solihull High Street, the beautiful Manor House Tea Rooms feels like one of the town centre's best-kept secrets. Step through the historic building and you'll discover a peaceful courtyard garden that's perfect for a leisurely breakfast, lunch, coffee or afternoon tea away from the bustle of the high street.

The menu offers everything from freshly prepared breakfasts and sandwiches to homemade cakes and light lunches, all served in a relaxed setting that makes you forget you're right in the heart of Solihull. If you're meeting friends, treating family or simply looking for somewhere quiet to unwind with a coffee and a good book, this little oasis is well worth discovering.

👉 Manor House Tea Rooms

If you're looking for somewhere a little special this summer, Fox, is a fantastic choice. Tucked away in the picturesque village of Catherine-de-Barnes, this independent neighbourhood restaurant has earned a brilliant reputation for its seasonal and sustainably inspired menus, with everything from relaxed breakfasts and coffees to elegant evening dining.

The stylish interiors, beautiful garden terrace and welcoming atmosphere make it equally suited to a date night, Sunday lunch or catching up with friends. The menu changes regularly to make the most of seasonal British produce, while their weekday Apéro Hour and weekend breakfasts provide even more reasons to visit. It's the kind of local independent restaurant that reminds you just how good Solihull's food scene has become.

👉 Fox

🎶 Solihull Summer Fest — Tudor Grange Park — Sat 18 & Sun 19 Jul

One of the biggest weekends in Solihull's calendar is almost here, as Solihull Summer Fest returns to Tudor Grange Park to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Expect two days packed with live music, street food, bars and a brilliant festival atmosphere, with headline performances including Craig David presents TS5, JLS and Culture Club. Whether you're heading along with friends or making a weekend of it, this is set to be one of the highlights of the summer.

👉 Solihull Summer Fest

🎧 Lenny Pearce's Toddler Techno Rave — Symphony Hall, Birmingham — Thu 23 Jul

Looking for a family day out that's a little bit different? Lenny Pearce's Toddler Techno Rave is bringing the party to Symphony Hall this summer, transforming children's favourite songs into high-energy dance anthems that parents will love just as much.

Expect a colourful, interactive show packed with bubbles, dancing, lights and plenty of hands-in-the-air moments as Lenny, the pioneer of "Toddler Techno", brings his globally popular family rave experience to Birmingham. It's designed for young children and their grown-ups to enjoy together, making it a memorable summer holiday treat for the whole family.

👉 Lenny Pearce's Toddler Techno Rave

🌊 The Wave Waterpark — Coventry

Just half an hour from Solihull, The Wave Waterpark is one of the Midlands' best family days out. With thrilling slides, a wave pool, splash zones and a lazy river, it's the perfect way to cool off during the summer holidays. Whether you've got adventurous teenagers or younger children, there's something for everyone.

👉 Don't forget to book your session in advance.

💦 Cliff Lakes — Tamworth

If you're making the most of the warm weather, Cliff Lakes is well worth the short drive. Try the inflatable Aqua Park, paddleboarding, open-water swimming or simply relax by the lake. It's an ideal summer day out for families, groups of friends or anyone looking for a bit of adventure.

👉 Bring a change of clothes... you'll certainly get wet!

🧸 Claudie's Club Soft Play — Solihull

Need to entertain little ones? Claudie's Club Soft Play is a fantastic indoor option, with imaginative play areas, climbing equipment and plenty of space for children to burn off some energy while parents enjoy a well-earned coffee. A great shout if the weather turns or you simply fancy somewhere different.

👉 Perfect for toddlers and pre-schoolers.

🎨 Barn Studio Pottery Painting — Earlswood

Looking for something a little different? Barn Studio Ceramics offers relaxed pottery painting sessions for all ages, with hundreds of ceramic pieces to choose from. Paint a mug, plate, bowl or quirky ornament before it's glazed and fired, making it a lovely activity for families, couples or anyone feeling creative this summer.

👉 Perfect for rainy days or a relaxed afternoon with friends.

🍹 Bottomless Brunch at Green's Cocktail Lounge — Solihull

Gather your friends and head to Green's Cocktail Lounge for a lively bottomless brunch in the heart of Solihull. Expect delicious brunch dishes, flowing cocktails and a brilliant atmosphere that's perfect for birthdays, celebrations or simply catching up over the weekend.

👉 One for the group chat!

We're also delighted to be teaming up with Empower Wellness Studio to give one lucky reader the chance to win a Power Trio Reformer Pilates 3-Class Taster Pack.

Whether you're looking to build strength, improve mobility, boost your confidence or simply make more time for your wellbeing, this is the perfect opportunity to discover what Reformer Pilates is all about.

To enter:

💙 Like the Instagram giveaway post

✨ Follow @EmpowerWellnessStudio and @SolihullSpotlight

👯 Tag your friends in the comments (each tag counts as an additional entry)

📅 Entries close Sunday 26 July at 11:59pm.

T&Cs apply, good luck!

🏃 Run Solihull — 9th August

Whether you're training for your next race or simply looking to get moving, Run Solihull is a welcoming community for runners of all abilities. From social runs to structured training sessions, it's a brilliant way to stay active, meet new people and explore some of Solihull's best routes together.

👉 No matter your pace, everyone is welcome.

🎾 Pure Padel Solihull

If you've not tried padel yet, now's the perfect time. Pure Padel Solihull has quickly become one of the borough's most popular sporting venues, with easy-to-learn gameplay that's ideal for couples, families and groups of friends. Expect plenty of laughs—even if your backhand isn't quite there yet!

👉 Warning: it's seriously addictive.

🛍️ Wythall & Hollywood Country Market — Sat Mornings

For a slower pace, pop along to Wythall & Hollywood Country Market, where you'll find homemade cakes, locally grown produce, handmade crafts, preserves and gifts created by local makers. It's a lovely Saturday morning outing and a great way to support independent producers from across the area.

👉 Wythall & Hollywood Country Market

🧺 Picnic at Packwood House

Sometimes the simplest days out are the best. Pack a picnic and head to Packwood House, where you'll find beautiful National Trust gardens, peaceful woodland walks and plenty of open space to spread out a blanket and enjoy lunch in the sunshine. A lovely option for couples, families or anyone wanting a slower summer afternoon.

👉 Don't forget to explore the famous yew garden while you're there.

Big Events Near Solihull

🎸 Hollywood Vampires — Utilita Arena Birmingham — Wed 19 Aug

Rock supergroup Hollywood Vampires are heading to Birmingham this summer, bringing together Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, Joe Perry and Tommy Henriksen for a night packed with classic rock anthems. Joined by special guests The Jesus and Mary Chain, this promises to be one of the biggest rock concerts of the year just a short journey from Solihull.

👉 Hollywood Vampires

🧵 Festival of Quilts — NEC Birmingham — Thu 30 Jul to Sun 2 Aug

Whether you're an experienced quilter or simply appreciate beautiful craftsmanship, the Festival of Quilts returns to the NEC for four days celebrating creativity, textiles and design. As Europe's largest patchwork and quilting event, visitors can explore more than 1,200 competition quilts, browse 200+ exhibitors, enjoy inspiring galleries from internationally renowned artists, and choose from hundreds of workshops, demonstrations and talks. It's a brilliant day out for anyone who enjoys making, creating or discovering something new.

👉 Festival of Quilts

• Bin collections: https://digital.solihull.gov.uk/BinCollectionCalendar/
• Council news + updates: https://www.solihull.gov.uk/news
• Travel disruptions (West Midlands): https://disruptions.tfwm.org.uk/

Thanks for reading Solihull Spotlight 💙 let’s chat again on Thursday! Hit reply and tell me what you want more of next week: family, events, food, deals, walking routes, live music, sport, or hidden gems.

P.S. Want your business in front of local Solihull readers? Reply with SPONSOR and I’ll send over our options.

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